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Question about Shock Absorbers

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Old Nov 28, 2014 | 04:26 PM
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Default Question about Shock Absorbers

How do you know when your shocks are no longer doing the job. I have 05, with 45,000 all driven on nice roads, we have no potholes in S Florida.

I was wondering if I need new set.

Thanks!
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Old Nov 28, 2014 | 05:18 PM
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Usually you'll get a little more bounce when going over bumps, like old Caddy's. If you don't really go over bumps, you can try to jounce it up and down. It should stop bouncing pretty quickly.
Contrary to popular belief, as you probably know, shocks do absolutely nothing for ride height. If your car is sagging, it is not because of the shocks.

Now if you're looking for an excuse to get some nice shocks or coilovers to enhance the performance and fun, then I would say yours are horrible, and a big safety issue, and should be replaced ASAP

But in all honesty, yours are probably OK, they typically last 60k+ miles, depending on use, and if its all smooth roads, could last a lot longer.

Feel free to call, email, or PM us anytime with questions!
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Old Nov 28, 2014 | 05:18 PM
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There used to be about three ways: first was to "feel" if the car was unusually "bouncy," or if you could lean on any fender and bounce the car beyond 1 up and down. Second was to visually see if any fluid was leaking while up in the air on a lift. And the last was a listen for a clunking sound sometimes meaning the shock was bottoming out (but could be confused w. spring issues). With the C6 being as stiff as it is, you will have a relatively tough time doing the bounce thing to see if it's lost its capabilities. I'd say take a look underneath first. Others will chime in I'm sure.
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Old Nov 28, 2014 | 09:07 PM
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Originally Posted by JDP Tech
Usually you'll get a little more bounce when going over bumps, like old Caddy's. If you don't really go over bumps, you can try to jounce it up and down. It should stop bouncing pretty quickly.
Contrary to popular belief, as you probably know, shocks do absolutely nothing for ride height. If your car is sagging, it is not because of the shocks.

Now if you're looking for an excuse to get some nice shocks or coilovers to enhance the performance and fun, then I would say yours are horrible, and a big safety issue, and should be replaced ASAP

But in all honesty, yours are probably OK, they typically last 60k+ miles, depending on use, and if its all smooth roads, could last a lot longer.

Feel free to call, email, or PM us anytime with questions!
- Jeremy


Click HERE to send me a PM | Sales@jdpmotorsports.com | www.jdpmotorsports.com | JDP Facebook | 888.308.6007

Thanks!
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Old Nov 28, 2014 | 09:08 PM
  #5  
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Originally Posted by AORoads
There used to be about three ways: first was to "feel" if the car was unusually "bouncy," or if you could lean on any fender and bounce the car beyond 1 up and down. Second was to visually see if any fluid was leaking while up in the air on a lift. And the last was a listen for a clunking sound sometimes meaning the shock was bottoming out (but could be confused w. spring issues). With the C6 being as stiff as it is, you will have a relatively tough time doing the bounce thing to see if it's lost its capabilities. I'd say take a look underneath first. Others will chime in I'm sure.
Thanks!
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Old Nov 29, 2014 | 08:54 AM
  #6  
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When you pull up to a stop light and you're sitting there bouncy like a bobble head doll lol.

Seriously, really pretty easy to tell when driving. Maybe not with initial breaking down but the car will let you know when it has been compromised with shock function.

As noted earlier by the most wise AORoads checking for a oil leak would be the first step and one that should be done whenever possible, especially when the car is on a lift. This would be standard procedure for any competent mechanic as a visual check or for that matter any car enthusiast. Just like when the engine bonnet is open checking the hoses and belts for wear and looking for any leaks. Another is a standard walk around the car looking for low tire psi and uneven wear or parts hanging..lol.

Last edited by Boomer111; Nov 29, 2014 at 08:57 AM.
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